Fire erupts at Dallas-area chemical plant

Updated 7:56 pm, Friday, November 16, 2012

People watch as plumes of smoke rise from a fire at the Nexeo Solutions chemical plant, bought from Ashland Chemical, located in a predominantly industrial area of Garland on Friday.

People watch as plumes of smoke rise from a fire at the Nexeo Solutions chemical plant, bought from Ashland Chemical, located in a predominantly industrial area of Garland on Friday.

Photo: Louis Deluca, Associated Press

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Firefighters allow a chemical fire to burn off at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Fire Capt. Merrill Balanciere says it's still unclear what caused the fire, but the flames were fueled by highly flammable toluene and methanol. All 41 workers who were at the plant at the time of the fire are safe. less

Firefighters allow a chemical fire to burn off at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012. Fire Capt. Merrill Balanciere says it's still unclear what caused the fire, but the ... more

Photo: Louis DeLuca, Associated Press

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People watch as plumes of smoke rise from a fire at the Nexeo Solutions chemical plant, bought from Ashland Chemical, located in a predominantly industrial area of Garland, near Dallas on Friday afternoon, Nov. 16, 2012. less

People watch as plumes of smoke rise from a fire at the Nexeo Solutions chemical plant, bought from Ashland Chemical, located in a predominantly industrial area of Garland, near Dallas on Friday afternoon, Nov. ... more

Photo: Louis Deluca, Associated Press

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Kevin Cromer takes a photo of his daughter Cason Cromer as flames and smoke fill the evening sky from a chemical fire at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Kevin Cromer takes a photo of his daughter Cason Cromer as flames and smoke fill the evening sky from a chemical fire at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Photo: Louis DeLuca, Associated Press

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Smoke rises as firefighters let a chemical fire burn off at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Smoke rises as firefighters let a chemical fire burn off at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Photo: Tom Fox, Associated Press

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Bystanders watch as flames leap into the evening sky from a chemical fire at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Bystanders watch as flames leap into the evening sky from a chemical fire at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Photo: Louis DeLuca, Associated Press

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Fire and smoke rise as Dallas and Garland fire crews let a chemical fire burn off at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Fire and smoke rise as Dallas and Garland fire crews let a chemical fire burn off at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland.

Photo: Tom Fox, Associated Press

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Fire and smoke rise as Dallas and Garland fire crews pour water onto storage tanks near where a chemical fire burns off.

Fire and smoke rise as Dallas and Garland fire crews pour water onto storage tanks near where a chemical fire burns off.

Photo: Tom Fox, Associated Press

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Fire erupts at Dallas-area chemical plant

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GARLAND — All workers are accounted for and safe after a chemical plant near Dallas erupted in flames.

The fire started at the Nexeo Solutions plant in Garland about 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Nexeo spokeswoman Christina Reynolds says all 41 workers who were at the plant then are safe. Nexeo is based in The Woodlands.

Fire Capt. Merrill Balanciere says it's still unclear what caused the fire, but the flames were fueled by highly flammable toluene and methanol.

Balanaciere said firefighters are pouring water onto storage tanks situated yards from the flames to keep them from igniting.